22 reasons to be excited for the 2013 M's

By By JIM MOORE

on March 31, 2013 3:03 PM

Here are 22 reasons to be excited for the Mariners this season. Click through the gallery for the Go 2 Guy's top fun factors as the M's open the regular season Monday.

Here are 22 reasons to be excited for the Mariners this season. Click through the gallery for the Go 2 Guy's top fun factors as the M's open the regular season Monday.

Photo: AP

Here are 22 reasons to be excited for the Mariners this season.... Photo-4396411.59372 - seattlepi.com

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22) Michael Saunders. The speedy outfielder struggled at the end
of spring training, but did you see his stats for Canada in the World
Baseball Classic? He went 8-for-11 with three doubles, a homer and seven
RBI in three games. Could be a star in the making. less

22) Michael Saunders. The speedy outfielder struggled at the end of spring training, but did you see his stats for Canada in the World Baseball Classic? He went 8-for-11 with three doubles, a homer and ... more

21) The bullpen. The Mariners have a nice blend of lefties Lucas Luetge (pictured), Charlie Furbush and Oliver Perez to go with right-handed smoke from Carter Capps, Stephen Pryor and closer Tom ... more

Photo: Ron Vesely, MLB Photos Via Getty Images

21) The bullpen. The Mariners have a nice blend of lefties Lucas... Photo-4396387.59372 - seattlepi.com

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20) Jason Bay. How can I put a fifth outfielder on this list? Geez, I don’t know -- I just like the possibilities with Bay, and the Mariners must too if they kept him over Casper Wells, who’s younger and a better defensive player.

If Bay can be a smidgeon of the player he was in 2009 when he hit 36 home runs, I’ll take it. Plus he’s not a complete liability in the outfield, appearing faster than Mariner insiders thought he’d be.

20) Jason Bay. How can I put a fifth outfielder on this list? Geez, I don’t know -- I just like the possibilities with Bay, and the Mariners must too if they kept him over Casper Wells, who’s younger and a ... more

Photo: Rich Pilling, Getty Images

20) Jason Bay. How can I put a fifth outfielder on this list?... Photo-4396383.59372 - seattlepi.com

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19) Justin Smoak. You’ve maybe given up on him, but I haven’t. I can hear you: “Hey Go 2 Guy, what makes you think this disaster of a first baseman is going to have a breakout year this season?”

Smoak has shortened his swing and it’s paid off in spring training with a .418 average. Smoak will also benefit from having capable power hitters around him. There will be less pressure and more good pitches to hit.

18) Michael Morse. OK, now we’re talking. You can make a case for him to be No. 1 on this fun-factor list, but there’s no particular order here. If healthy, the player we knew as Mike Morse when he was here before should hit 30 home runs. He hit a team-record nine in spring training and most were tape-measure shots. With Morse, the Mariners finally have a legitimate clean-up hitter.

I loved everything about John Jaso last year, from his clutch hitting to his weirdness – the guy had chinchillas and hedgehogs as pets. But to trade a backup catcher and get Morse in return was a brilliant move by GM Jack Zduriencik.

18) Michael Morse. OK, now we’re talking. You can make a case for him to be No. 1 on this fun-factor list, but there’s no particular order here. If healthy, the player we knew as Mike Morse when he was here ... more

Photo: Jennifer Stewart, Getty Images

18) Michael Morse. OK, now we’re talking. You can make a case... Photo-4396381.59372 - seattlepi.com

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17) Ichiro’s in New York. A classic case of addition by subtraction, it’s bound to help in the clubhouse as well as right field, freeing up the spot for Saunders and Bay.

I might be reading too much into this, but I just sense that the clubhouse factor will be greatly enhanced with Ichiro’s absence. He was off on his own, and his skills were declining – as great as he was, there’s nothing to miss now.

16) Robert Andino. Yep, a backup infielder makes the list. This guy can flat-out play. A good defender who has some pop in his bat. When Brendan Ryan and Dustin Ackley need a break, there won’t be that much of a dropoff when Andino takes over.

16) Robert Andino. Yep, a backup infielder makes the list. This guy can flat-out play. A good defender who has some pop in his bat. When Brendan Ryan and Dustin Ackley need a break, there won’t be that much ... more

15) The fences. As you probably know, the Safeco Field walls have been moved in, as much as 17 feet in left-center field. This year’s lineup could have driven it through the marine layer and out of the park last year.

But now? Wow. It’s fun to think about the possibilities. The Mariners hit 149 home runs last year and have a reasonable shot at smacking 200 this year.

15) The fences. As you probably know, the Safeco Field walls have been moved in, as much as 17 feet in left-center field. This year’s lineup could have driven it through the marine layer and out of the park ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

15) The fences. As you probably know, the Safeco Field walls have... Photo-4392070.59372 - seattlepi.com

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14) The Houston Astros. They’re making the move from the National League to the American League West and are projected to lose anywhere from 100 to 120 games.

The Mariners will play 19 games against the Astros, including the home opener April 8. They should go 13-6 or better against Houston. I don’t care if the Astros are pathetic, winning is more fun than losing, right?

14) The Houston Astros. They’re making the move from the... Photo-4396378.59372 - seattlepi.com

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13) The playoff race. Last year an extra wild-card berth was added, and the Mariners should be in the chase for that spot this season. I don’t think they’ll get it – I’m predicting an 85-77 record – but they should be mathematically involved in August.

They’re usually out of it by June, so at least we can dream for two extra months. And who knows? Have you heard what the players are saying to each other? “Why not us?” With that in mind, stay true to the blue.

13) The playoff race. Last year an extra wild-card berth was added, and the Mariners should be in the chase for that spot this season. I don’t think they’ll get it – I’m predicting an 85-77 record – ... more

12) Kendrys Morales. Raise your hand if you’ll miss Jason Vargas after seeing Morales in the batter’s box night after night. He figures to be a switch-hitting terror at Safeco Field and every other ballpark.

Morales is nearly two years removed from that freak injury when he broke his leg celebrating a walk-off home run for the Angels against the Mariners. Over-under on combined homers for Morales and Morse is 60, and I’m taking the over.

12) Kendrys Morales. Raise your hand if you’ll miss Jason Vargas after seeing Morales in the batter’s box night after night. He figures to be a switch-hitting terror at Safeco Field and every other ... more

11) Eric Wedge. I like Pete Carroll, but I love Eric Wedge. Love his steely stare. Love his bluntness. Love his leadership. Wonder about his facial hair. Two years ago, he had a big bushy mustache, and this year he’s replaced that with a gray beard. Not sure what he’s thinking when he looks in the mirror, but who cares?

11) Eric Wedge. I like Pete Carroll, but I love Eric Wedge. Love his steely stare. Love his bluntness. Love his leadership. Wonder about his facial hair. Two years ago, he had a big bushy mustache, and this ... more

10) Felix Hernandez. The ace who has never had run support will get it this year. Felix can have his B stuff in some games this season and win 5-4. Last year those games would have been 4-1 losses.

He signed a huge contract extension in the offseason and wants to justify the millions he’s getting. It should pay off with his first 20-win season and a banner year for the King’s Court rooting section.

10) Felix Hernandez. The ace who has never had run support will... Photo-4396374.59372 - seattlepi.com

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9) Franklin Gutierrez. How can I count on the biggest "if" on the roster? Again, I don’t know because the odds tell you that Gutie will be hurt at some point this year.

But if he can play 120 to 130 games this year, the Mariners will have a Gold Glover who can compensate for the deficiencies of Morse in left field. He also swings a pretty decent bat. And he’s still only 30 years old.

9) Franklin Gutierrez. How can I count on the biggest... Photo-4396373.59372 - seattlepi.com

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8) Grand salami and rye bread. It’s time to pay tribute to Dave Niehaus (pictured) over and over and over again. Last year the Mariners hit only two grand slams, which means we hardly ever saw grandma and her mustard. We’ll see a lot more of that grand old lady this year.

When they trailed 7-1 last year, you knew the Mariners were done. This year they’ll have a chance to fight back.

8) Grand salami and rye bread. It’s time to pay tribute to Dave Niehaus (pictured) over and over and over again. Last year the Mariners hit only two grand slams, which means we hardly ever saw grandma and her ... more

7) Edgar’s Cantina. The new restaurant/bar down the left-field line will be open to the action. I’m sure we’ll love the margaritas and food at Edgar’s Cantina, but as far as a fun factor, I can’t wait for the first home run to scatter a bunch of nachos. Or better yet, land in a jumbo margarita.

7) Edgar’s Cantina. The new restaurant/bar down the left-field line will be open to the action. I’m sure we’ll love the margaritas and food at Edgar’s Cantina, but as far as a fun factor, I can’t wait ... more

Photo: JORDAN STEAD

7) Edgar’s Cantina. The new restaurant/bar down the left-field... Photo-4392084.59372 - seattlepi.com

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6) Aaron Goldsmith. Have you heard Rick Rizzs’ 29-year-old sidekick yet? He’s just flat-out terrific. Smooth and polished, he sounds like he’s been with Rizzs for years. When you can’t make it to the game, this fellow dog lover will make it more enjoyable on the radio.

6) Aaron Goldsmith. Have you heard Rick Rizzs’ 29-year-old sidekick yet? He’s just flat-out terrific. Smooth and polished, he sounds like he’s been with Rizzs for years. When you can’t make it to the ... more

5) Brendan Ryan. The best defensive shortstop in baseball. He’s death to grounded things. He’s also quirky and likeable. I get a kick out of him constantly licking his shoulder when he’s at the plate. Imagine what a bonus it would be if he hit .230 this year – and it’s certainly possible. In 2009 with St. Louis, Ryan averaged .292.

5) Brendan Ryan. The best defensive shortstop in baseball. He’s death to grounded things. He’s also quirky and likeable. I get a kick out of him constantly licking his shoulder when he’s at the plate. ... more

3) Raul Ibanez. I normally don’t want 40-somethings on my team, but Ibanez is an exception. He’ll make an occasional impact with his bat, but more importantly, I like what he’ll bring to the clubhouse. He’s a veteran who knows what it takes to win.
And for sentimental reasons, it will be fun to hear chants of "Rauuuuuuuuuuuuuul" in Seattle again.

3) Raul Ibanez. I normally don’t want 40-somethings on my team, but Ibanez is an exception. He’ll make an occasional impact with his bat, but more importantly, I like what he’ll bring to the clubhouse. ... more

2) Brandon Maurer. The 22-year-old makes the jump from Double-A Jackson to fourth starter in the Mariners’ rotation after a sensational spring. Wedge says that Maurer has five “plus” pitches. He could be a mainstay in the rotation for years to come.

2) Brandon Maurer. The 22-year-old makes the jump from Double-A Jackson to fourth starter in the Mariners’ rotation after a sensational spring. Wedge says that Maurer has five “plus” pitches. He could be ... more

1) Dustin Ackley. Wait a minute, Moore, I’ve gone through this whole photo-gallery thing, and you don’t have Kyle Seager on the list? You’re right, I’m just expecting Seager to be as consistently productive as he was last year – he’s a given.

But Ackley? I put him on the list at No. 1 in my own personal tribute to wishful thinking. I am praying to the baseball gods, hoping that Ackley will justify being the No. 2 pick overall in the 2009 draft.

Imagine how much more lethal the Mariners would be with Ackley hitting .300 with 15 home runs at the bottom of the order.

1) Dustin Ackley. Wait a minute, Moore, I’ve gone through this whole photo-gallery thing, and you don’t have Kyle Seager on the list? You’re right, I’m just expecting Seager to be as consistently ... more